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ECOLOGICAL RECOVERY OF REALIGNED STREAM CHANNELS

A field investigation of 18 highway related stream channel changes in Oregon was made in 1973 to evaluate the effectiveness of natural processes in restoring conditions favorable or conducive to use of the altered streams as habitat by fish and streamside areas by small game. Known conditions prior to channelization, the channel design, construction methods followed, and any measures taken to mitigate harm to the ecology of the stream were used as a basis for comparing the local effects of the various types of alteration. Design features found to be significantly damaging to the stream fishery or to wildlife are discussed in the report. Some measures to prevent or alleviate similar damage by future highway construction are suggested. Appendix C of the report presents the findings of a preliminary review of pertinent literature and the detailed case study made in 1972 of a representative stream alteration.